Category Archives: death bed vigil

A hospice nurse travels into many abodes. So often these homes speak of dreams and accomplishments, or regrets and failures, but they always seem to frame a part of the owner’s story. Like Cathy’s final work of art, her dream … Continue reading →

A whiff of lavender can still transport me to the bedside of my dying mother. In the early morning hours, Mom began breathing in shallow gasps, with periods of apnea. Several hours had passed since she had responded to any … Continue reading →

My mother always said that the animals were enchanted, and in another life they will be able to tell us, the humans, all the things that they know, though we give them so little credit. I hear people say, “Animals … Continue reading →

The phrase, “as simple as the air we breathe”, runs through my mind when I see Dennis, with his ribs and lungs moving with great effort, each labored breath a testimony to his will to survive. Makes we wonder, how … Continue reading →

With a look of confusion and uncertainty, she asks me “What’s next?” And Sandy wants to go outside. Though the fog lies heavily over the ocean waves, masking their beauty, we can hear the pounding surf sounds and scattered faint … Continue reading →

Some symptoms that perplex and challenge the medical professionals that deal with dying patients have terms like “terminal agitation/anxiety” and “spiritual distress” at the end of life. There are medications to alleviate these symptoms, but not effectively eliminating the tension and angst that … Continue reading →

In later years she lived in her memories. They encompassed the early years of settling this land that would soon cradle her old bones. Back then, the horse and buggy was the means of transport. Then came the gravel road … Continue reading →

As I sat listening to a great jazz rendition of the song “Smile”, I saw Ella in my mind’s eye. I met her just briefly- in the middle of a humble living room, lying in her hospital bed, pale as the sheet over … Continue reading →

I often want to say thank you to the people that have shared their last moments with me. I made this statement the other day, “Every death I’ve been at is such a unique experience.” “Really?” My husband asked me and I elaborated … Continue reading →

That unmistakable “AAAAAAAmmmyyyyyy” heard down the street from my childhood home was my mother’s voice. None of my friends’ moms had an operatic singing voice that floated throughout the neighborhood calling the other children home for dinner. Just mine. We … Continue reading →